The official White House Christmas tree stands in the Blue Room of the White House on Nov. 28. The tree, a Fraser Fir from Jefferson, N.C., is 18 feet, 6 inches tall. Alex Wong, Getty Images

First lady Michelle Obama speaks in the East Room during a preview of the White House holiday decorations. The first lady welcomed military families, Gold and Blue Star parents, spouses and children to the White House for the first viewing of the 2012 holiday decorations. Alex Wong, Getty Images

White House Pastry Chef Bill Yosses explains his design of the 300-pound gingerbread model of the White House in the State Dining Room. The model features Bo, the Obama family dog, the vegetable garden and scenes inside the White House. Susan Walsh, AP

The White House kitchen garden is represented in a 300-pound White House gingerbread display. Alex Wong, Getty Images

Lauren Rae, left, and Olivia Marlow look at the ornaments in the Grand Foyer. The theme for the White House Christmas display is "Joy to All." Jim Watson, AFP/Getty Images

Former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy's ornament adorns the first lady's tree in the Grand Foyer. Jim Watson, AFP/Getty Images

Volunteer Paulette Marini describes the decorations on a tree in the East Landing. Susan Walsh, AP

Ornaments on a Christmas tree at the White House. Alex Wong, Getty Images